Once Upon a Time, starring Strictly couple Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington, is coming to Tunbridge Wells, Chatham and Dartford
Published: 05:00, 19 March 2023
Two Strictly stars who found love on the dancefloor are sharing an intimate glimpse into their partnership.
Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington are taking their new show, Once Upon a Time, on the road - and they’re stopping off in three Kent towns along the way.
The show will be at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday, March 28.
The following night, on Wednesday, March 29, the pair will travel to Chatham to perform at the Central Theatre.
Later this year, Nadiya and Kai will return to the county for a night at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford on Sunday, May 7.
You can find a full list of tour dates and how to book tickets here.
The new dance spectacular shines a light on each of their journeys, from young children - Kai grew up in Eastleigh, Hampshire, while Nadiya was born in Ukraine - to ballroom and Latin champions at the top of their game.
“We’ve both been on the Strictly tours but this is a chance to tell our own story,” says two-time World Champion Nadiya. “It’s a big responsibility so there’s a lot of pressure. But it’s so exciting.”
The duo will also share stories with the audiences, from their dance inspirations to their time on TV and, of course, their relationship.
“We want people to see behind the curtain of our lives,” adds 27-year-old Kai. “We want to show audiences who we are on and off the dancefloor.”
The couple met on Strictly Come Dancing, which Kai joined as a professional in 2021.
His first series on the show saw him partnered with TV presenter AJ Odudu. The couple reached the final round but, due to injury, were unable to perform on the night.
Last year, Kai was paired up with Loose Women panellist Kaye Adams. They were eliminated after the first public vote.
Nadiya joined the Strictly team as a pro dancer in 2017 and has been partnered with the likes of EastEnders star Davood Ghadami, former footballer David James and, most recently, Bros singer Matt Goss.
She has placed highest in the contest so far with journalist and TV presenter Dan Walker. The pair finished in fifth place after being voted out in the dance off against Kai and AJ.
Naydia and Kai confirmed their off-screen relationship in June 2022.
“I thought she was absolutely stunning,” says Kai. “And that’s when we started to talk. But it wasn’t until we danced an American Smooth together that the magic happened.
“When I’d watch Fred and Ginger on the big screen, it seemed like they were made for each other. Well, that’s how it felt with me and Nadiya. Everything just clicked into place.”
Once Upon a Time comes from the producers of dance shows such as Here Come the Boys and Remembering the Oscars.
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Sam Lawrie